MLS All-Stars v Liga MX All-Stars: 'It would be a pleasure' – Estevez hopeful over Messi involvement

Nico Estevez says it would be a "pleasure" to coach Lionel Messi, who he is hopeful will play when MLS and Liga MX's best go head-to-head in Austin on Wednesday.

Austin FC head coach Estevez is taking the reins of the top players in MLS at Q2 Stadium for the 29th iteration of the MLS All-Star Game, with a team comprised of Mexican football's finest as their opponents.

This is the fourth time the All-Star game will use the inter-league format, with the MLS All-Stars looking to return to winning ways against their Mexican counterparts.

Having won the first two meetings between the sides in 2021 and 2022, the MLS All-Stars lost last year's contest 4-1 in Columbus.

Messi had been set to appear in that match before pulling out injured, and he has been selected for this year's roster.

However, questions have been raised over his involvement after he, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were missing from Monday's training sessions.

While Estevez is not yet sure if the Argentinian will play in Wednesday's game, he is relishing the chance to work with him.

"That's a question for his club," Estevez said when asked if Messi would be participating.

"I just coach and use the players I'm given. I hope so - I'm very optimistic, and I hope he can be there.

"Of course, I'd love for him to play. It would be a pleasure to work, even if just for a short time, with the greatest of all time."

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Obed Vargas is getting his first taste of the All-Stars game.

The Seattle Sounders youngster is treating the game as an opportunity to shine, especially with the World Cup coming up next year, where he hopes he can represent Mexico.

"Every single time I get to face one of those teams or if it's MLS vs. LIGA MX All-Stars, it always adds a bit of motivation for me just because of my background, and obviously my ties with the Mexico national team and wanting to impress them and do well for them," Vargas told MLSsoccer.com.

"I think being able to match up against direct opponents competing kind of for the same spots in the Mexican national team, [it shows] what my level is and how I can match up against those guys."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MLS All-Stars – Lionel Messi

It should come as no surprise that Messi will be in the spotlight for Wednesday's game, even if he only earns a brief cameo on the field.

He is the joint-top-scorer in MLS (along with Sam Surridge) this season, having netted 18 goals in as many matches, while he has also provided seven assists.

No player in the competition has been involved in more goals than him this season (25).

Liga MX All-Stars – James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez reasserted himself during the Copa America last year when he led Colombia to the final, where they ultimately lost to Argentina.

He created 20 chances, six more than any other player, providing six assists, four clear of anyone else. His 2.1 expected assists also led the tournament, ahead of Messi's 1.9.

Since joining Club Leon in January, James has already netted three goals in all competitions, while registering a further six assists.

MATCH PREDICTION: MLS ALL-STARS WIN

The MLS All-Stars may not have won either of the last two editions, but they will feel they can avenge last year's defeat after a disappointing second half.

They have won two of their previous three meetings with the Liga MX All-Stars, even if they did need penalties to earn the first in 2021 after a 1-1 draw.

Indeed, since beating Bayern Munich and Tottenham in back-to-back editions of the game in 2014 and 2015, those are the MLS All-Stars' only victories in a run of seven games.

However, given the attacking flair that Estevez's side pose, including the likes of Messi, Surridge, Anders Dreyer and Denis Bouanga, they are sure to pose a threat.